Composite LED Color Temperature Control via Dynamic Intensity Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Discrete-spectrum light sources, such as LEDs and CFLs, do not exhibit the same color temperature changes as traditional incandescent lights when dimmed, leading to unnatural lighting effects when combined with other light sources or in environments where color temperature varies over time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling the color temperature of discrete-spectrum light sources based on environmental criteria and user preferences, using a composite lighting load with discrete-spectrum and additional light sources, where the color temperature can be adjusted in response to ambient conditions, occupancy, time, and other factors to match or contrast with surrounding light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If discrete-spectrum light sources (LEDs, CFLs) are used to replace incandescent lights for energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but color temperature changes when dimmed become unnatural and inconsistent with human expectations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete-spectrum light sources with different color temperatures (e.g., warm white LEDs at 2700K and cool white LEDs at 6504K) into a single lighting system. By merging these distinct light sources and dynamically controlling their relative intensities, the system achieves continuous color temperature adjustment capability that mimics the natural behavior of incandescent lights, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and color temperature adaptability.
2Illumination intensity
If discrete-spectrum light sources are dimmed, then light intensity is reduced, but color temperature remains constant or shifts unnaturally unlike black body radiators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the lighting system by continuously adjusting the intensity ratios of multiple LED modules with different color temperatures based on the desired output level. As the overall light intensity is reduced (dimming), the system dynamically shifts the color temperature to maintain the natural relationship where lower intensity corresponds to warmer color, replicating the behavior of black body radiators and eliminating the unnatural constant color temperature effect of traditional LEDs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different color temperatures are combined, then color temperature control flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal lighting system where multiple LED modules with different color temperatures share common control circuitry and power supply infrastructure. The control system can universally adjust the output of each module type to achieve any desired color temperature within the range, making the system multi-functional while avoiding the need for separate control systems for each light source type, thereby managing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for dynamic adjustment of light color temperature to create aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient lighting environments, ensuring that light sources appear natural and harmonious, even when dimmed or in changing light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A first discrete-spectrum light source 506 and a second discrete-spectrum light source 510 may each be LED light sources
Implementation Method 2
A first discrete-spectrum light source 506 and a second discrete-spectrum light source 510 may each be fluorescent lamp
Implementation Method 3
a load control system 550 may include a first load regulation circuit 554 and a second load regulation circuit 558
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.